AusBiotech to strengthen NZ ties

Industry body AusBiotech and its New Zealand counterpart, NZBio, are planning to work together on a number of projects this year to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote the capabilities of the region.

The two organisations will work together on a number of events, including a CEO Forum to be held over two days in late April on the Gold Coast to facilitate strategic networking and develop policy recommendations for the industry.

"Through our joint activities we can assist both Australian and New Zealand biotechnology companies build their international ties," said AusBiotech's executive director Dr Tony Coulepis.

AusBiotech and NZBio are also planning to meet with key ministers and core biotech companies to further closer economic relations between the two companies at the 4th APEC Ministerial Meeting on Regional Science & Technology Cooperation in New Zealand in March.

The two groups will also work together on coordinating the Australian and New Zealand contingents at the annual BIO conference in the USA. And New Zealand will play a crucial role at the annual AusBiotech conference, whose theme this year is 'Going Global'.

According to NZBio CEO Brian Ward, the alliance between the two organisations will help to build critical mass in the region.